22 July 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC
1. Cultural Restoration and Heritage Conservation of Historical Sites in Delhi
Source – Press Information Bureau (PIB) – Ministry of Jal Shakti (22 July 2025)
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Topic: GS1 – Indian Heritage, Culture & Conservation |
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Context |
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Introduction:
Overview
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ASI undertakes conservation and restoration of centrally protected monuments on DDA-owned land.
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Key sites in focus:
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Shalimar Bagh
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Mehrauli Archaeological Park
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No other DDA-located monuments have active restoration projects currently.
Restoration Protocol
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Actions governed by National Policy for Conservation, 2014.
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Projects initiate based on need and available resources, following structured procedures.
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Work supervised closely by ASI officials to ensure technical integrity.
Conservation Approach
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Prioritizes retention of authenticity and integrity of historical structures.
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Integrates minimal-impact public amenities to enhance visitor access without harming heritage value.
Parliamentary Update
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Information provided today in Lok Sabha by Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Analysis & UPSC Focus Points
| Aspect | UPSC-Relevant Notes |
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| Policy Framework | Examines National Policy for Conservation, 2014 – its principles and implementation challenges. |
| Institutional Role | Highlights ASI’s role, its supervision mechanisms, and interaction with agencies like DDA. |
| Site-specific Initiatives | Shows focus on urban heritage zones like Mehrauli and Shalimar, reflecting on urban conservation issues. |
| Authenticity vs Access | Balancing act – preserving historical integrity while providing public amenities. |
| Parliamentary Transparency | Demonstrates government’s accountability through written replies. |
Way Forward
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The ASI is systematically conserving priority sites in Delhi, respecting policy guidelines, authenticity, and public access.
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Next steps: Expand DDA-ASi collaboration to identify more sites for restoration; secure funding; monitor conservation outcomes; introduce heritage interpretation programs to deepen public awareness.
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Practice Question: “Critically examine how restoration projects by institutions like ASI balance between preserving heritage authenticity and developing public amenities. Illustrate your answer with examples from sites like Mehrauli Archaeological Park and Shalimar Bagh” |
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